Social Work at Tarleton State University

Tarleton State's social work program produces graduates earning slightly above both the national and Texas state medians, placing it around the 60th percentile statewide—essentially middle-of-the-pack performance. Starting at $38,506 with modest growth to $40,698 by year four, graduates earn enough to manage their debt burden, which at $28,836 translates to a reasonable 0.75 ratio. The relatively low debt load (25th percentile nationally) matters here, since social work will never generate spectacular salaries; keeping borrowing under $30,000 makes a career in this field financially sustainable.

The numbers here tell a straightforward story: you're getting what you'd expect from a social work degree without any dramatic surprises. While graduates from Texas Southern and Prairie View earn roughly $2,000-$4,000 more annually, Tarleton's combination of accessible admission and controlled debt means students aren't gambling with their financial future. The 94% admission rate and significant Pell grant enrollment suggest this program serves students who might not have other four-year options.

The major caveat is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outliers could shift these numbers significantly. That said, if your child is committed to social work and Tarleton fits geographically and financially, the program delivers reasonable outcomes without saddling graduates with crushing debt. Just understand they're entering a modest-paying field where career growth will depend more on professional experience than their diploma.